SPRINTER EXPANDS TEST RUNS WITH NEW BRAKES

north county 
A Sprinter train equipped with new brake rotors has begun test runs along the length of the Escondido-to-Oceanside rail line, part of an expanded set of evaluations before passenger service can be restored.

One train made the full trip from Escondido to Oceanside and back on Friday, said Deborah Castillo, a spokeswoman for the North County Transit District. It was expected to make similar trips throughout the week, she added.

Crews also recently installed new rotors on a second Sprinter train, Castillo said. That vehicle could join the first train on the tracks by Wednesday for testing along the 22-mile corridor, she said.

Last week, one train successfully completed shorter test runs between the Escondido Transit Center and Woodland Parkway in San Marcos, the agency said. Castillo said the test runs, which help keep the rail line in working condition, are expected to continue until the line reopens.

All 12 Sprinter trains were shut down March 9 after state inspectors discovered premature wear on the vehicles’ central brake rotors.

No date has been given for when Sprinter service will resume.

Transit district officials initially said it could be up to four months before the trains move passengers again. During the past week, they have said the repair process is moving somewhat faster than first thought.

A full set of replacement rotors is expected to arrive in late April, the agency said in a blog post last week. Upon arrival of the parts, the agency plans to announce a relaunch date.

The 22-mile rail line and its trains must pass federal and state regulatory hurdles before service can resume. In the meantime, the agency is providing replacement buses and contracted taxis and vans for passengers affected by the shutdown.